In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. 2 Peter 3:9 (CEV)
It is important for Christian kids to grow spiritually in a youth group, but they can still learn to reach out to their community at the same time. In fact, it is vital that youth are involved in reaching out to others.
A variety of kids attend our youth services, and it scares some parents to know that some of these kids smoke, do drugs and are sexually active. I completely understand that we need to use wisdom. We can’t encourage our kids to become close friends with people who influence them negatively. But we also shouldn’t be afraid of those who live different lifestyles.
Isn’t attracting all people to our churches what it’s all about? After all, if everyone looks like us, talks like us and acts like us, we are not reaching the lost.
Instead of hiding from the world, let’s teach our kids to thrive in it. They can be taught to influence kids who don’t share the same morals as they do, and the best place to do that is within the safe atmosphere of a youth group. Then when they enter the real world and encounter a variety of people, they will know how to keep their strong beliefs while they act as great role models to others.
Let’s not be so religious. Make a decision that you are not just going to put yourself or your family in a bubble. It is so very worth it to reach out to others. After all, we aren’t just holding the fort until Jesus comes. The power of God is upon your life so you can make a difference in someone’s world.